Question of the Day

Sean was in his own little world at dinner... eating, singing, chewing with his eyes closed. Not that unusual really. Until very quietly, he spat out a bit and looking at it, he asked himself, "What is that thing they put on my plate?" He didn't question us, he just wondered aloud to himself. And Patrick and I lost it in hysterics. That child keeps us and everyone he meets in stitches. And what was it? An artichoke heart.

Rise and Shine

Luke and Sarah have started making breakfast. I let them use my electric skillet and they have made delicious eggs and pancakes and other items. They are eager to be morning chefs and enjoy helping out. It makes for an easier morning for me as well, so we all benefit. Unless the child is too eager!! So eager he sets his alarm for 6:15am so he can have breakfast ready when everyone awakes at 7am. Only he comes into Mom and Dad's room at exactly 3:36 am. He is found to be fully awake, clothed, and teeth brushed, ready to cook! (As this is what happened last night.) When I showed him the clock confusion swept over him...."I guess maybe I dreamt my alarm went off," he stated. So we'll all be a bit tired today. I laughed so hard at 3:36 it took quite some time to get back to sleep. But now the feasting can begin as I smell belgian waffles.

Grandparents are great blessings

Mrs. Kelty was just here for a nice visit. It was great to have an extra set of hands around while I started the school year. And it was nicer to have someone else cook a meal and have a built in babysitter too! It was such a blessing for the kids to spend time with her. She taught them to play all kinds of card games. They worked the crossword puzzle together and read comics. Best of all, Grandma had a tea party with them. Now I do tea parties for the kids. Usually we have water or iced tea in our cups and cheerios or crackers as our cakes. Grandma made tea and delicious biscuits with her little helper, Sarah. Then they all had tea using their imaginary names. This is a constant with all of Grandma's visits. Grandma comes and brings "Mrs. Effenbottom" to tea, and we get a visit from "Princess Kelly and King Arthur" as well. Sean is figuring this all out this visit as he was a bit young on Grandma's last visit. After a few rounds of, "your name is Grandma, not Mrs. Effenbottom" he finally started to catch on. And the kids are still talking about the tea and cake.

Mountain People

Well, I was convinced we had beach babies. Our kids love the beach, including Max, who simply crawls in until the surf is nearly over his head. Then Mom rescues him to the dry sand, where he simply crawls right back in again. I didn't think the kids would like the mountain streams too much....too many bugs, possible snakes, freezing cold water, muddy-mucky bottoms, less sunshine (ok maybe it was me who had some angst). The kids proved me wrong yet again. They all went in the cold water, skipping rocks and catching crawdads. Then the rains came and they played some more while I tried not to get too wet under an umbrella for 45 minutes. Perhaps we are "mountain folk" after all.

He's got moves

Birthdays

August is a busy month for us. Three of the four favorite boys in my life celebrate special days. I'm a bit behind in posting pictures so here they are. Luke turned 9, which is so hard to believe. He is usually found reading a book or teaching someone something. He is a great help around the house (don't tell him), and he is looking forward to a year of cubscouts and sports (once I find out details). Max turned one and is nearly ready to walk. He is a man of action and is rarely quiet and docile. He loves to be entertained by his siblings and his one and only word, for quite some time, has been "uh-oh". And my dear husband turned another year older. I am appreciative for all his hard work providing us such wonderful things...not only material items like our picnic table, fire pit, and other "Patrick made specialties", but for the wonderful fathering, memory-making, and adventure he provides us with!

Homeschooling is life-changing

This is so true in so many ways. Some days are pure joy, others a bit more difficult and others in between, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I really enjoy learning with the kids and having them near me all day long. But some days are life changing. And Friday was one. It was a great school day and it was our first day of our new science curriculum. I really like all the hands-on-material. We opened a bag of plastic insects and spiders (think toys) and spent lots of time looking at all their body parts and what they are used for. I was in science teacher heaven. It was similar to when I taught high-school science. I was using words like cephalothorax and palps...It was great. And then we got to the common housefly which had never bothered me much before. Bees and wasps sting and hurt, flies...who cares. Then I read that flies vomit saliva on food and the food starts to break down. Then the flies suck it up and have a tasty meal. This has changed my life! I am so grossed out. I have so many flies in my house! I carry around a fly swatter and beg the children to quickly shut doors, never mind a fly ever landing on my food. Perhaps ignorance is bliss.